Weak Aces
Probably the most common limped hands among beginning tournament players is the weak Ace, especially if that ace is suited.
This approach to starting hands often gets those players in big trouble post flop when their ace hits. How can hitting top pair possibly be a bad thing?
The first reason is that any player who doesn't hold an ace is going to quickly fold to any action from that player. So, they limped pre-flop creating a small pot. The ace hits, they bet, everyone without an ace folds. What have they just won? A few players blinds. A small pot.
What kind of hands would call a decent bet when an ace comes on the flop? Three kinds, hands that are much better like two pair or more, hands with a better ace (higher kicker), or hands with a draw. So, in the case where someone is going to call your bet when an ace comes on the flop, they most likely have you beat. So you end up winning no pot at all. And loosing your big bet.
The best case scenario here (besides playing a fish with a huge range) is that the other player is on a draw and they call your bets and miss.
Hitting that ace on the flop therefore either means that you will win a small pot because everyone else misses, or you are in a high risk situation where you may already be behind when someone calls that strong post flop bet.
In early or middle position most of the time you should be folding that weak ace.
Strong Aces
Pre-flop a medium strong to strong ace (A 10 to AK) is a good starting hand, and, depending on other players range and aggressiveness, even good three betting hands.
Post flop, these hands are simply ace high however if they miss.
These strong drawing hands are greatly reduced in value once the the flop hits and they miss. However, particularly in the case of A K, some players are reluctant to let a hand that was so strong preflop go. Even a pair of two's here has you beat, and you have 6 outs to any pair if there are no additional draws, not positive expected value situations.
So, pre-flop, certainly raise and potentially re-raise with these hands to build a good pot. But remember that the value of these hands is if they HIT, be prepared to fold your strong ace to a missed flop the majority of the time.
Top pair vs all in
You have played your aces well, building the pot and reducing the number of players pre-flop with your raises, and the flop comes down and you hit your ace! This is great news, exactly what you are looking for.
Is this an all in calling hand however if you make a strong continuation bet and your opponent pushes all in?
Here is yet another situation where folding that Ace if you feel you are behind is a valid response.
If you are in low buy in tournaments playing with new players, and there is an obvious draw on the board, then you MAY be facing a player who is going all in on a draw, beginners especially like flush draws. Here, the correct action is a call as your aces are more likely to win over standard straight or flush draws (without additional outs).
If the board doesn't have any draws, and you are facing an all in, then the next way to determine what to do is your opponents playing style and range. If they are a true rock, a player who only plays and bets on premium hands premium hits then you may be behind and need to fold here.
If they are a tight aggressive player who's big bets are usually backed up with hands, then you have a tough decision, if you have A J do they have you out-kicked? Did they hit two pair or better? Here is another situation where you might need to fold to an all in.
Generally, if the player you are facing is to be respected, and their play has not shown big bluffs or signs of weak play, then an all in to your big bet when an ace hits on the board followed by your fold is likely to be the best response.
When your big ace hits post flop definitely bet it out with a decent bet, but be prepared to think carefully about people calling or raising those big bets, and, depending on your analysis of the other players style and range, be prepared to fold it to significant action.
Pocket Rockets
There really isn't much better in texas hold em poker than looking down at a fine set of pocket rockets, Aces. Pre flop play is easy, just keep raising every time it comes to you and call any all ins without hesitation.
And most likely, your aces will be an over pair to the board, if someone else gets a big pair as well you are likely to take a fair chunk of their chips.
But, post flop play here is not automatic, and, as in any case where you have a strong hand but a tight aggressive player is continuing to call or raise big bets, you have to give respect to other players that have earned it. And also be wary of draws.
The best case scenario is that they have an overpair to the board, as you have them way behind, but this is not the only scenario.
If a obvious draw hits (4 cards on the board one suit, 4 cards on the board all part of a straight), or a tight aggressive player who has earned your respect, raise your bets here you may have to make one of the tougher decisions in poker, and potentially fold those pocket aces.
Detecting when you are facing another overpair to a low board as opposed to something better is tricky, here the opponents playing style and range come into play for that decision.
Let those aces go!
Save some money and be prepared let aces go in these situations:
1. Pre flop with a weak ace in early or mid position (90%+).
2. Post flop with a weak ace that hits when a player you respect significantly raises you (90%).
3. Post flop when your strong ace misses, even AK (95%).
4. Post flop when your strong ace hits but you face an all in or a raise from a player you respect (depends on hand strength, A 10 most of the time, A K 50% depending greatly on read).
5. Post flop when your pair of aces is beaten by an obvious draw from a player who isn't folding (90%+), or when a player you highly respect shows calling or raising action from your big bets through all streets (50% depending greatly on read).
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